HOUSE OF Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday expressed hope that the historic trilateral summit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., United States President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would help accelerate the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and provide Manila with a credible defense posture in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“I am optimistic that the discussions between President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Marcos Jr. will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in advancing our defense capabilities and ensuring regional security and stability," Romualdez said in a statement.
“The assistance and security cooperation with the US and Japan would enhance our country's ability to maintain a credible defense posture in the face of increasing aggressive provocations by China in the West Philippine Sea."
He noted that on the eve of the historic trilateral meeting, US Senators Bill Hagerty (Republican) and Tim Kaine (Democrat), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act of 2024 (PERA Act), a bill to strengthen and modernize the US-Philippines alliance through significantly increased US security assistance.
Among others, the bill annually authorizes USD500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to the Philippines from 2025 to 2029 – a total of USD 2.5 billion over five fiscal years.
Romualdez emphasized the urgency of bolstering the AFP's modernization efforts to “effectively address evolving security challenges” to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly in the WPS.
"By working closely with our allies, we can expedite the modernization of the AFP, and enhance our ability to respond effectively to any potential threats to our national security," he said.
He also said he sees the summit as an opportunity to deepen diplomatic ties and foster greater cooperation in addressing common security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region, and push forward concrete initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
"As we confront the challenges posed by aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, it is imperative that we stand united with our allies to uphold the rules-based order and defend our shared values and interests," Romualdez said, as he reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the House to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the Philippines' defense capabilities and ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty.
More multilateral drills possible
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., meanwhile, said "some European nations" have expressed interest in participating in future maritime drills with the Philippines.
"(There are some) European countries but I (will) not mention (them yet)," he said in an interview Thursday night.
He, however, said the conduct of another multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) has yet to be discussed.
Brawner said if this pushes through, there is no reason for China to be angered and take this against the Philippines as the exercises are being done in the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
This comes after the success of the April 7 drill among the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia in the WPS.
Brawner, meanwhile, said the quadrilateral drill highlights the Philippine Navy's interoperability with its American, Japanese, and Australian counterparts.
He also said the AFP learned a lot from the MMCA in terms of military tactics, techniques, and procedures from its allies.
The maritime drill, he said, was a show of "unity of like-minded nations who believe in the rules-based international order" and is not aimed against any country.
Boosting internal security
The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said it also aims to assist efforts to secure Philippine territory by boosting its airborne capability, especially for its elite unit.
The PNP Special Action Force (SAF) on Thursday opened its Basic Airborne Course Cl 57-2024 and Parachute Packing Course Cl 15-2024 in its headquarters in Fort Sto. Domingo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, SAF chief Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement Friday.
"With geopolitical dynamics shifting and the tensions brewing in the Philippine territory, particularly in the maritime domain, the SAF, renowned for its elite status within the PNP, recognizes the importance of being at the forefront of any eventuality," Banac added.
He said the SAF continues to conduct specialized courses to equip its personnel with the necessary skills and expertise to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges.
Banac also said airborne operations play a critical role in navigating an ever-evolving security landscape, noting that the ability to rapidly deploy forces into hostile environments is essential.
"It tests not only the physical stamina of individuals but also the mental fortitude, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure," he added. (Jose Cielito Reganit with Priam Nepomuceno and Lloyd Caliwan)
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